It has recently been shared on social media that there are updates, however there are no official updates yet, but Mims and local MP Maria Caulfield have been working on this project for a while now.
Mims Davies MP and her Sussex colleague, Maria Caulfield, MP for Lewes, both supported a joint bid by Network Rail and Govia Thameslink Rail (GTR) made in 2022 for ‘Access to All’ funding from the Department for Transport (DfT).
Plans have been announced to make Wivelsfield Railway Station accessible for all by creating ‘step-free access’ to both platforms, as well as a new footbridge, stairs, lifts, and step free routes.
Currently, only platform two has step-free access via the car park at the Gordon Road entrance, and platform one can only be accessed from Leylands Road or the station subway, both of which require passengers to use steps.
The ‘Access For All Scheme’ was launched in 2006 to address the issues faced by disabled passengers and passengers facing mobility restraints (such as heavy luggage or pushchairs) when using railway stations in Great Britain. Network Rail and GTR submitted a bid for funding to build a footbridge with two lifts at Wivelsfield station, which would provide step free access to and between both platforms, utilising the existing ramp access from the car park at the end of Gordon Road.
Mims Davies MP said:
"It is crucial Wivelsfield Station becomes more accessible so our many residents who need the step-free access and lifts can use them to explore more of our great County or further afield.
Myself and Sussex colleague, Maria Caulfield MP, have been working hard on this and both supported the joint bid by Network Rail and GTR made back in 2022 for funding.
Network Rail have confirmed the designs are progressing well, with final steps and processes being ironed out to make sure the teams are poised and ready to go once the Department for Transport have made their decision regarding funding. I will also be chasing the department on this.
I will also keep you all updated as soon as I hear anything."